Competition for that gambling buck?

Saratoga County and the city of Saratoga Springs have enjoyed a long history with gambling. Since the mid-19th century, huge crowds have descended on the city to bet big wads of cash, either in smokey rooms, old hotels, the Canfield Casino, or the community’s multiple racetracks. But with Gov. Andrew Cuomo wanting to build seven casinos in New York, could this corner on the market be in jeopardy? Certainly, legalized casino gambling in New York faces a tough and long road – it must be approved by the state Legislature for a second time and then the public. But Tuesday showed that the county and city are concerned about gaming competition and are trying to protect what they’ve got.

Both the City Council and the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed separate resolutions asking state leaders to name Saratoga Raceway and Casino among seven casinos in the state should members of the state Legislature and voters approve legalizing casino gambling. Here’s a story than was published Tuesday ahead of the votes.